Two common paths
Most countries offer a simple self-employed status and one or more company forms.
| Simple self-employed status | Limited company | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Testing and early revenue | Growth, partners, larger clients |
| Set-up | Quick and cheap | Longer and more expensive |
| Liability | Often personal | Usually limited to the company |
| Admin | Light | Accounts, filings, often an accountant |
| Watch out for | Revenue ceilings and activity limits | Fixed yearly costs even with little revenue |
Questions to ask your official sources
- Is my activity (consulting, training, digital services) allowed under the simple status?
- Is there a revenue ceiling, and what happens if I exceed it?
- What taxes and social contributions apply, and when are they due?
- Do I need to charge sales tax or VAT, including to foreign clients?
Invoicing basics
Every invoice should show your legal name and registration number, the client, a unique number, the date, the description of the service, the amount and any tax. Keep copies for the period your country requires.
Data protection
When you handle client data, especially personal data of their customers, use tools with clear data settings, collect only what you need, and write in your quote how data is used. If you work with clients in the EU, the GDPR applies. See our guide on client data and AI.
Your action for today
List your country's official website for business registration and its data protection authority, check the four questions above, and choose the status you will use for your first invoice.
Questions
Can I start before registering?
You can run conversations and tests. Before taking payment, check what your country requires.
Do I need an accountant?
Not always for a simple status. For a company, it is usually worth it.
